can a real estate agency demand a key of the property you rent?
i have been a tennant in my property for the last 3 years but last year my real estate agency started asking for a key so they can enter the property? Can you refuse them to have a key or is it even legal for them to demand that?
only answers for the uk please, thank you!
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rent property | , 11 Jun 10
By Sal*UK, June 15, 2010 @ 7:40 am
We hold keys for every single property we rent out – and insist that tenants give us new key copies when needed. Having said that, we are unable to enter their property without 48 hour written notice.
By drevilynn, June 17, 2010 @ 9:52 am
HI
I too rent in the uk and my estate agents have always retained a key for emergencies, however they need to pay to get one cut not you and it is for absolute emergencies only. If they need to do an inspection they have to give you 24 hours notice and if you agree that you wont be in but they can use their key thats fine. basically they are not legally allowed to enter without your permission or in an absolute emergency. (Flood/fire etc)
By Susan B, June 19, 2010 @ 3:04 am
Sounds to me like they lost the original key because they ALWAYS have a copy. So I would suggest to them that they get the locks changed and give YOU a replacement key for the new lock. After all it is you living there and who has the other key that they’ve lost? Some creep who is going to enter your house in the wee small hours of the morning and ransack it probably. Not that I want to worry you or anything.
By BARRY B, June 20, 2010 @ 1:15 am
Whilst Sal UK has an appropriate answer, I would query the change after 3 years! They can’t move the goalposts unless you agree. If they didn’t get your agreement when you first rented the property I can’t see how they can demand a key now. As Sal says they, or the landlord and his agents, can give reasonable notice to enter to inspect by arrangement with you being present. But they certainly cannot demand a key. Basically they are trying it on. Some whizz kid in the office has got bored.
By Margaret S, June 21, 2010 @ 2:18 am
They should hold a key to the property. After 3 years why are they asking for a key? Have you changed the lock? If you have changed the lock you must supply a key at your expense. If they simply have never had a key let them have a copy at their expense or if they have lost the original then perhaps they should have the lock changed and supply you and themselves with new ones. I wouldn’t like to be living somewhere with a missing key floating around.
In the UK property managers must hold keys to all properties as they are needed if an emergency occurs etc.
By alta, June 24, 2010 @ 1:09 am
The Landlord has no absolute right to intrude into your property His only rights to enter during tenancy are:
a. when Tenant agrees
b. under s.11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 [24hrs. written notice asking for T for daytime access so L can inspect installations which he is responsible for repairing.
Certainly Landlord cannot just turn up at the property and expect to be let in, or even let himself in. This is not only trespass (civil wrong) but also harassment (criminal offence).
•In a true emergency (boiler suspected not working is NOT an emergency).
•If the tenant permits access.
•If a court orders access.
Having said this, all agents should hold a key for emergency use.